The following is a message from Dr. Chris, his family and the Faith Alive community to our community of readers, for those of us celebrating Easter (and if not, it is still an inclusive message of love). Faith Alive Hospital focuses on different topics of scripture every month and how appropriate that this month the topic is the interest of others. Here is Dr. Chris' beautiful message to us:
The focus at Faith Alive Foundation Hospitals for the resurrection month of April is INTERESTS OF OTHERS—Philippians 2; 4.
At Easter, we are reminded that our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ left all the glory in Heaven and came down for wretches like you and me. He had our interests and did not desire us going through eternal condemnation.
It also reminds us of many persons all over the world who are through His grace having THIS SAME MIND OF JESUS CHRIST in many ways.
They have not allowed race, distance, color or different qualities/barriers in preventing them in MAKING GREAT DIFFERENCES IN THE LIVES OF MANY ESPECIALLY THE LESS PRIVILEGED AND PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS.
“He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, And a great many people were added to the Lord”-Acts 11; 24.
Having the interests of others can be a great way of making disciples and thus fulfilling the great commission. In the same book of Acts, a follower of Christ was well known for his care and concern /interests towards others. His name was Joseph, but in the early church, the Apostles called him Barnabas—“son of encouragement”. It was Barnabas who vouched for the newly converted Saul when others doubted the sincerity of his faith .Later, Barnabas brought Saul from Tarsus to teach the believers in Antioch. And it was Barnabas who wanted to give John Mark a second chance after his failure on a previous missionary journey. Dorcas came back to life for the same reason—her generosity and interests of others. Let this be our daily uniform.
The brethren at Church of Nativity under the exemplary leadership of Rev. Fr. White, Hope For West African Foundation under the great directional leadership of Mrs. Diane Blattner, other organizations, churches and individuals immediately come to mind. I have personally tasted their love and will say that they have taught me how to have and show that having the interest of others has eternal value and reward.
We send our Easter greetings to you all. May the resurrection power continue in our lives, homes and careers to His glory through great interests in others that will lead and sustain them in our journey to Heaven.
Pictures:
1. Women from the Faith Alive Social Services Counseling Staff and Sewing Class
2. Faith Alive Community Children
3. The Isichei family - Drs. Chris and Mercy and their children
